Meet Liticia Reeves | Massage Therapist | Owner of T. Reeves

We had the good fortune of connecting with Liticia Reeves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Liticia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is rooted in risk-taking, wellness, and betting on yourself. My wellness journey began as a massage therapist, where I quickly learned that true self-care goes beyond physical treatments and pampering—it’s about investing in yourself and creating an environment that nurtures the body, mind and soul.

Working at top places such as The Ritz-Carlton Spa helped me refine my skills, and studying Thai massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand deepened my understanding of wellness. I realized that wellness is transformative— and it is a constant practice that can heal and restore the body and mind. As I built my practice and gained more clientele, I was presented with a life-changing opportunity: the chance to go on tour with a high-profile client. It meant choosing between stability at The Ritz-Carlton or stepping into the unknown. So I took the risk, even though it meant leaving everything behind, and embraced the challenge.

Tour life was chaotic and unpredictable, pushing me to create my own sense of balance. I developed grounding rituals to bring peace into those high-energy spaces—one of which was lighting candles. This ritual was a simple yet powerful way to bring a sense of calm and balance into my day.

After my time on tour, my understanding of self-care also deepened, inspiring me to create something meaningful. I wanted to build a brand that was more than just a product—it needed to reflect the lessons I had learned about presence, gratitude, and intentional living. That’s when T. Reeves was born.

Starting T. Reeves was a bold step, but I trusted my passion for wellness and believed that if I could create something that truly resonated with me, it would connect with others as well. Taking that risk has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life, and my candles symbolize my gratitude for the people and experiences that shaped my journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
For me, T.Reeves is more than just a candle company—it’s a reflection of my personal journey, rooted in gratitude, wellness, and self-discovery. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and didn’t exactly have a clear vision of what I wanted to do after high school. It wasn’t until my sister introduced me to massage therapy, and when I went into therapy school.

My career took me from volunteering at marathons to working at prestigious spas like the Napa Valley Marriott and The Carneros Inn. In 2008, I moved to Los Angeles to be closer to family, which opened the door to new opportunities. My first pivotal moment was when I took a trip alone to Thailand, and it truly taught me what it means to be present. I went on this trip to study Thai massage but ended up learning so much more. I realized I’m so in love with who I’ve become and the life I’ve created to help others. The gift of massage has brought me so many wonderful people and I felt I needed to share this gift with others because nothing is permanent or promised. If you feel something, express that. Love is so pure, and showing gratitude and appreciation to those that are close to you is essential.

As mentioned before, the second turning point was being introduced to a high-profile client and going on tour. Life on tour was chaotic and forced me to be intentional about self-care. After returning home, I carried all those lessons with me and channeled them into my business, T. Reeves. The name itself holds personal significance—“Tish” was my nickname, and the brand honors the people and experiences that shaped me.

What sets T. Reeves apart is its purpose-driven foundation. Every candle is crafted as a token of gratitude to every person and lesson and a bridge between my massage therapy background and my passion for wellness. It’s about more than fragrance; it’s about creating a healing experience. I’m most proud of how the brand reflects my evolution and the lessons I’ve learned: the importance of listening to your body, maintaining healthy routines, and investing in self-care both mentally and physically.

Building T. Reeves hasn’t been easy. It required resilience, a willingness to embrace change, and the courage to take risks. But each challenge taught me to anchor myself, to walk with purpose, and to find beauty in the journey. Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand the brand, introducing body and skincare products that align with my wellness philosophy and sharing self-care practices that have been transformative in my own life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On Saturday morning, we’d start the day with a hike at Runyon Canyon to take in the views and get a good workout. Afterward, we’d stop at Erewhon for a Malibu Mango smoothie to refuel before heading to the beach—either Playa Del Rey for a more laid-back vibe or Zuma Beach for a classic LA beach experience. For dinner, we’d go to Dan’s Modern Chinese and order my favorites, the scallion pancake and Dungeness crab fried rice. If we’re in the mood to keep the night going, we’d either grab sunset drinks at Nobu Malibu or stop by Jeni’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat.

Sunday would start with a hot yoga session with Raea at Hot 8 Yoga, the perfect way to reset and recharge. Afterward, we’d stroll through a farmer’s market, picking up fresh produce and flower bouquets while enjoying the lively atmosphere. For the afternoon, we’d head to the Waldorf Astoria for rooftop drinks and bites, soaking in the amazing views and ambiance. To wrap up the day, we’d either opt for a cozy movie night at iPic Theaters or catch a Lakers game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of so many people along the way. First and foremost, I want to thank every single person who has purchased a T. Reeves candle or/and supported my journey. Whether it was your first candle or you’ve gotten a massage, your belief in my vision has meant everything.

I also want to give a special shoutout to Sonya from Unique World, as her platform gave me the opportunity to showcase my brand, connect with amazing customers, and grow my business in ways I never imagined.

A heartfelt thank you to Hassan from Roadstarr Motorsports for his mentorship and guidance. His insights, encouragement, and belief in my potential have played a major role in shaping my mindset as an entrepreneur.

I am also especially grateful to Susanna Peace for her generosity and guidance. She helped me refine my candle descriptions, gave me valuable direction in launching my business, and even hosted one of my first candle events at her home.

Website: https://treevesla.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treevesla/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treevesla#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@treevesla

Image Credits
Tina Reeves (https://www.tinareeves.com/)
Louis Lee (@louiseugenelee)
Christopher Brown Photography